Jim Mott presents Steph Boucher of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life with a $2,500 check, the proceeds from this year’s Mott Marathon Challenge.

On Wednesday, June 24, Jim Mott presented Steph Boucher, Community Manager for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life with a check for $2,500, the proceeds from this year’s Mott Marathon.

The fundraising total fell short of the 2012 record of $4,565, but Mott was pleased nonetheless.

“We had several students step up and bring in hundreds of dollars. I am proud of everything all the runners accomplished, he said.

A record 38 seniors started the race on June 11 with a record 33 completing the full 26.2 miles.

This year marked the marathon’s ninth running. The annual event began in 2006 when a student bragged to teacher and marathon runner Mott that he could complete a marathon without training. At Mott’s suggested, the young man agreed to run the distance and to raise money for a worthy cause.

From that humble start, 157 students have accepted the Mott Marathon Challenge, raising more than $10,000 to combat life threatening diseases.

Mott acknowledged the help he received from others.

“Again this year, the Utica Roadrunners joined the effort, providing the race clock and shirts for runners. This group’s commitment to running and the community is truly amazing and inspiring,” said Mott.

“Our school administrators, faculty, staff, parents and students all rise to the occasion to make this a very special event.”